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India’s Golden Triangle & The Sacred Ganges

Experience Uniworld’s newest and most exotic cruise/tour—“India’s Golden Triangle & the Sacred Ganges” itinerary from New Delhi to Kolkata. This 12-night programme highlights wondrous sights along the country’s most venerated river, the Ganges, as well as must-see destinations in Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur—the “Golden Triangle”—one of the most culturally-rich areas of the subcontinent.

This tantalizing itinerary features a broad spectrum of remarkable travel experiences—both onshore and on the river—a multi-layered masala of languages, religions, cuisines, and cultural traditions. With its color-saturated bazaars and chic boutiques, silent temples and clamorous city streets, colonial-era mansions and sleek modern buildings, few other places offer such astounding variety.

Ship:Ganges Voyager II

13 DAYS FROM NEW DELHI TO KOLKATA

Cities Include: New Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Kolkata, Kalna, Mayapur

Featured Highlights: Taj Mahal at sunrise and sunset, Temple of the Vedic Planetarium, Kolkata city tour, Mother Teresa’s home and tomb, temples, Hazardwari Palace, artisan workshops, former French colony of Chandannaja

Cruise & journey highlights

India is one of the most complex and colorful countries you will ever visit. Experience India’s multitude of jewels, including:

Taj Mahal The world’s most sublime monument to love, this white marble tomb—built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife—is almost unspeakably beautiful, especially when viewed at sunrise and sunset. Aptly described as “an elegy in marble,” the Taj is a cultural treasure, one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

City Palace The regal and romantic Pink City of Jaipur is the gateway to Rajasthan, famous for its imposing forts, labyrinthine bazaars, and pastel-colored palaces. Of these, City Palace—the residence of Jaipur’s former royal family—is one of the most magnificent, with lovely courtyards, fountains, and gardens.

Rajbari Temples Often referred to as “Temple City,” Kalna’s Rajbari complex has the region’s densest concentration of temples, including 108 intricately carved structures devoted to the Hindu god Shiva. One of the top attractions is the Pratapeshwar Temple, decorated with richly detailed terra cotta plaques depicting scenes from Hindu mythology.

Temple of the Vedic Planetarium The village of Mayapur—birthplace of the founder of the Hare Krishna movement—is also home to the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium. Once completed this enormous temple will be twice the size of St. Peter’s Basilica, large enough to hold 10,000 people.

Colonial Architecture Kolkata has some of India’s finest examples of British colonial-era architecture, such as the stark white edifice of Victoria Memorial Hall and the massive red brick Writers' Building, originally built as a residence for the British East India Company's clerical and administrative staff.

Humayun’s Tomb Built in the 16th century by Emperor Humayun’s grief-stricken wife, this immense red sandstone and white marble structure—India’s first garden-tomb—inspired the Taj Mahal with its perfect symmetry, peaceful atmosphere, and fountains and pools. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is Delhi’s most visited attraction.

Opulent hotels, fit for a Maharaja

For the five-night land portion of this itinerary, luxurious accommodations are provided at the award-winning Oberoi Hotels and Resorts Collection.

The Oberoi, Gurgaon The Oberoi, Gurgaon is an award-winning hotel conveniently located just thirty minutes from Central Delhi. Spread over nine acres, the Gurgaon property is an urban sanctuary defined by bespoke design features. Its high ceilings and open spaces filled with natural light afford refreshing views of the hotel's vast reflection pool and verdant green wall. The hotel also offers an art gallery, salon and a luxury retail arcade.
[Note: Uniworld guests will stay at The Oberoi, Gurgaon while The Oberoi, New Delhi undergoes renovations in 2016.]

The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra Ranked among the leading resorts in the world, the Oberoi Amarvilas is located a mere stone’s throw from the Taj Mahal, and all rooms, suites, lobby, bar, and lounge offer breathtaking views of the monument. Inspired by Moorish and Islamic architecture, this gorgeous hotel features terraced lawns, fountains and reflection pools, and many leisure facilities and activities, including a swimming pool, yoga, and spa treatments.

The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur This idyllic retreat, built in the style of a traditional Rajasthani fort, is situated on 32 acres of lush gardens. The property has a 280-year-old Shiva temple and a restored Rajasthani haveli (mansion) that now serves as a spa, offering a wide range of therapies for guests to enjoy. A master artist created the hotel’s beautiful hand-painted wall murals, and original paintings by other Indian artists are displayed throughout the hotel. This five-star gem was ranked among Asia’s top four resort hotels in Travel + Leisure’s prestigious 2014 “World’s Best Awards.”

Top to bottom: The Oberoi, New Delhi; The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra; The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur

Ganges Voyager II

Cruise the Ganges in complete luxury, exploring villages and sites inaccessible by road and encountering a surprising variety of wildlife, including freshwater dolphins, parrots, and many other colorful species.

This itinerary includes seven nights onboard the new all-suite, 56-passenger Ganges Voyager II , the most ultra-luxurious river cruise ship sailing the Ganges River. Comfort and convenience abound with French balconies, cosy sitting areas, flat-screen televisions, roomy bathrooms with rain showers, robes and slippers, and top quality bath products. Elegant public areas include the Governor’s Lounge with onboard entertainment and cultural events, the observation deck with 360-degree views, a spa and fitness centre, and the East India Restaurant, which offers both Indian-inspired cuisine and Western favorites.